“Giant Leech on the State Chest”: The Chinese Eastern Railway in Assessments of the Russian Press of the Early 20th Century

The article examines the attitude of Russian press early 20th century to large-scale project construction and operation Chinese Eastern Railway (CER), which began in 1890s. Despite defeat Russo-Japanese War, state interests did not allow government abandon expansion Manchuria. However, new domestic political conditions forced it redefine its goals objectives colonization Far East. Railway, built on desolate lands, over a short time turned into kind “state within state” with own head (manager), ministries (Land Department, Traction Service, etc.), police army (Border Guard Zaamursky District), court, system municipal government, education, healthcare. Since road required significant financial costs, this circumstance could go unnoticed by journalists public. problems financing railway were subject consideration at State Duma meetings. data Budget Commission became This resulted appearance number publications press. CER affairs was widely discussed various circles. Of greatest interest people who knew situation from inside. They sharply criticized Manchurian penetration East, considering erroneous. impossible liquidate unsuccessful commercial foreseeable future, measures proposed streamline road. These include introduction control CER, reduction funds allocated for maintenance Road Administration Board Society, as well official transportation. It seemed minimize losses operation.